AI, humanity and HR’s ‘extinction’ threat: 10 stories from SHRM26

Inside the halls of Orlando, Florida’s Orange County Convention Center, speakers painted a dire picture for the industry.

By Ryan Golden • July 1, 2026

Interested in job training? This DOL official wants you to give him a call.

Federal funding could help employers prepare for disruption in the labor market, but the money is often difficult to access, Assistant Labor Secretary Henry Mack told SHRM26 attendees.

By Ryan Golden • July 1, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Top trends in leadership development

With hiring on the back burner, the pressure is on L&D professionals to upskill the leadership team while also looking internally for the leaders of tomorrow. 

By HR Dive staff

Should AI use be tracked in performance reviews?

Looking at AI use alone “doesn’t encourage the right behaviors,” one expert told HR Dive.

By Kathryn Moody • June 30, 2026

Onboarding begins even before a candidate’s first interview, one HR pro says

Lindsay Gainor, a vice president of HR at ServiceMaster Brands, shares onboarding tips to help ensure new hires stay past the one-year mark. 

By Ginger Christ • June 23, 2026

SHRM’s Alex Alonso believes human skills have a place in the future of work

The SHRM26 annual conference gave HR professionals a wealth of AI advice, including insight on what roles humans play going forward.

By Caroline Colvin • June 23, 2026

The hidden cost of bigger buying committees: How L&D can keep personalization on track

As learning decisions become more complex, personalization is often the first thing lost.

June 22, 2026

6 strategies to ward off skill decay

“Speed-to-skill” has become increasingly key in a market where skills become obsolete far faster than before, a TalentLMS report said.

By Kathryn Moody • June 16, 2026

Meta earmarks $115M for workforce academy to support data center construction

The program will provide free skilled-trades training, industry credentials and guaranteed jobs as the company expands its artificial intelligence infrastructure footprint.

By Keith Loria • June 12, 2026

Are L&D leaders stepping away from strategy discussions?

Employees tend to rely more on manager feedback than on traditional development frameworks when it comes to improving their skills, RedThread Research said.

By Lara Ewen • June 12, 2026

Digital credentials may be valuable, but they’re not being used, research shows

“If digital credentials are going to be adopted, they need to make hiring easier, not more complicated,” 1EdTech’s chief strategy officer said.

By Lara Ewen • June 11, 2026

Informal mentorships may be the most effective, HR leader says

The added flexibility allows ties to develop organically between mentors and mentees, said Michelle Kilroy, chief people and communications officer at The Weather Co.

By Ryan Golden • June 9, 2026

Week in review: The hidden opportunity in menopause benefits

We’re rounding up last week’s top stories, from the effect of remote work on young people’s unemployment to the current state of upskilling.

By Kathryn Moody • June 8, 2026

AI is coming for the workplace — and HR is in the driver’s seat

HR pros are laser focused on training and worker wellness amid tumultuous change.

By Ginger Christ • June 3, 2026

5 trends shaping skills development

Most HR and IT leaders surveyed said skills improvement is “imperative” within their organizations, CompTIA found.

By Kathryn Moody • June 2, 2026

AI certifications are fast-tracking salary and career growth, Randstad finds

While layoffs dominate the news and most workers languish, another market exists for AI skills, where workers are in high demand and compensation soars.

By Emilie Shumway • May 26, 2026

In 2026, more HR leaders are focused on training — and not just for AI skills

A shifting job market and desire for better workforce management may be why more HR pros considered learning a top priority this year, experts said.

By Kathryn Moody • May 26, 2026

Don’t discount human skills or older workers in AI upskilling, expert warns

Training initiatives need to focus on more than software integration, a workplace behavior expert told HR Dive.

By Caroline Colvin • May 19, 2026

Education Department releases final rule for Workforce Pell

The regulations detail the process for how short-term programs can get approval from the federal government to be eligible for Pell Grants. 

By Natalie Schwartz • May 19, 2026

DOL, Ed Dept tout reduced red tape for workforce development

Stakeholders, however, say the Trump administration’s priorities lack a commitment to training.

By Caroline Colvin • May 18, 2026

AI readiness is no longer optional for leadership teams

AI adoption is accelerating, but many organizations are not ready to scale it responsibly.

May 18, 2026

Employers adopt AI tools faster than they can train workers to use them

This “productivity paradox” is one reason artificial intelligence ROI remains somewhat elusive, Randstad Digital said in its report.

By Lara Ewen • May 14, 2026

Leadership development isn’t just for leaders anymore

ATD found that all employees can benefit from such training, and that culture improves when it's offered.

By Kathryn Moody • May 12, 2026

In the race to deploy AI, leaders must prioritize human capabilities, report warns

Organizations that put automating routine tasks ahead of developing adaptability and change management skills risk limiting AI’s potential, according to an Aon study.

By Laurel Kalser • May 7, 2026

Companies and schools are trying virtual reality for skilled trades training

The technology enables a broad sharing of best practices, but there are limitations, instructors say.

By Benton Graham • May 6, 2026

How to avoid ‘skillfishing’ traps

With the advent of artificial intelligence, it’s easier than ever for applicants to fake their skills in the hiring process — but employers can prepare accordingly.

By Kathryn Moody • May 5, 2026